Impact of Entrepreneurial Skills Acquisition on Academic Performance among Undergraduate Students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

This study examined the impact of entrepreneurial pursuits on the academic performance of undergraduate students at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigated the level of students’ engagement in entrepreneurial activities, the effect of such engagement on their academic performance, and the challenges encountered in balancing academic and business responsibilities. A descriptive survey research design was used in the study. All undergraduate students from the Faculties of Arts, Administration, Education, and Social Sciences made up the population and a sample of 100 students was selected using a purposive sampling technique. A questionnaire was used to gather the data, which were then analysed using descriptive statistics including means, standard deviations, percentages, and frequencies. The results showed that 78% of the participants were actively involved in business endeavours, primarily in the retail, services, catering, and digital industries. Also, 64% of the students acknowledged that entrepreneurial activities sometimes distracted them from their academic work. A large majority (89%) agreed that entrepreneurship positively complemented their academic and practical skills. The study also found that major challenges like stress, time management issues, and funding constraints are encounter by student entrepreneurs. Despite these challenges, many students maintained average to above-average academic performance, with 55% recording CGPAs above 3.5. The study concluded that entrepreneurship among undergraduates, when strategically managed, can enhance academic performance by developing transferable skills such as discipline, time management, and problem-solving. Based on these findings, it was recommended that university authorities implement flexible academic policies and provide institutional support to assist students in effectively balancing their entrepreneurial and academic responsibilities.